Allergan and the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Continue Longstanding Partnership

DUBLIN and CHICAGO, Oct. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Allergan and the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) are proud to continue their long-standing partnership in support of dystonia patients by conducting a survey to evaluate awareness of cervical dystonia, its symptoms and treatment options in order to encourage education and proper diagnosis of this often-disabling condition.

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"Our partnership with Allergan on this survey will support patients with cervical dystonia and their families by shedding light on the lack of awareness of the condition," said Art Kessler, DMRF President. "It is imperative that patients have accurate information about cervical dystonia in order to seek the appropriate care and treatment options. Equally as critical, is continuing to work with a healthcare provider."

Dystonia is a chronic movement disorder that is estimated to affect as many as 250,000 people in the United States, making it the third most common movement disorder behind essential tremor and Parkinson's disease. It is identified by involuntary muscle contractions that cause repetitive movements and abnormal postures of the body and limbs. There are numerous subtypes that affect people of all ages and backgrounds, including cervical dystonia. Common symptoms of cervical dystonia include abnormal head position and neck pain. Allergan's BOTOX^® (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a first-line treatment to treat the abnormal head position and neck pain associated with cervical dystonia in people 16 years and older.

"Allergan is committed to supporting patients with cervical dystonia and educating the public about this condition in order to encourage proper diagnosis and treatment," said Mitchell Brin, M.D., Senior Vice President Global Drug Development and Chief Scientific Officer, BOTOX^®. "We value our continued partnership with the DMRF to raise awareness of cervical dystonia, potential treatment options and the importance of talking to your doctor."

DMRF's partnership with Allergan has also included raising awareness through Dystonia Zoo Walks in ten cities across the United States. These community events bring together patients, healthcare providers and families and increase visibility of dystonia. To date, 150,000 people have become more educated on dystonia through these events.

For more information about cervical dystonia, including a tool to find a specialist, please visit BOTOXcervicaldystonia.com.

Indication

BOTOX® is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to treat the abnormal head position and neck pain that happens with cervical dystonia (CD) in people 16 years and older.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

BOTOX^® may cause serious side effects that can be life threatening. Get medical help right away if you have any of these problems any time (hours to weeks) after injection of BOTOX^®:

• Problems swallowing, speaking, or breathing, due to weakening of associated muscles, can be severe and result in loss of life. You are at the highest risk if these problems are pre-existing before injection. Swallowing problems may last for several months.
• Spread of toxin effects. The effect of botulinum toxin may affect areas away from the injection site and cause serious symptoms including: loss of strength and all-over muscle weakness, double vision, blurred vision and drooping eyelids, hoarseness or change or loss of voice, trouble saying words clearly, loss of bladder control, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing.

BOTOX^® may cause loss of strength or general muscle weakness, vision problems, or dizziness within hours to weeks of taking BOTOX^®. If this happens, do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities.

Do not take BOTOX^® if you: are allergic to any of the ingredients in BOTOX^® (see Medication Guide for ingredients); had an allergic reaction to any other botulinum toxin product such as Myobloc^® (rimabotulinumtoxinB), Dysport^® (abobotulinumtoxinA), or Xeomin^® (incobotulinumtoxinA); have a skin infection at the planned injection site.

The dose of BOTOX^® is not the same as, or comparable to, another botulinum toxin product.

Serious and/or immediate allergic reactions have been reported. They include itching, rash, red itchy welts, wheezing, asthma symptoms, or dizziness or feeling faint. Get medical help right away if you experience symptoms; further injection of BOTOX^® should be discontinued.

Tell your doctor about all your muscle or nerve conditions such as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome, as you may be at increased risk of serious side effects including difficulty swallowing and difficulty breathing from typical doses of BOTOX^®.

Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you: have or have had bleeding problems; have plans to have surgery; had surgery on your face; weakness of forehead muscles; trouble raising your eyebrows; drooping eyelids; any other abnormal facial change; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant (it is not known if BOTOX^® can harm your unborn baby); are breastfeeding or plan to (it is not known if BOTOX^® passes into breast milk).

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Using BOTOX^® with certain other medicines may cause serious side effects. Do not start any new medicines until you have told your doctor that you have received BOTOX^® in the past.

Tell your doctor if you have received any other botulinum toxin product in the last 4 months; have received injections of botulinum toxin such as Myobloc^®,Dysport^®, or Xeomin^® in the past (tell your doctor exactly which product you received); have recently received an antibiotic by injection; take muscle relaxants; take an allergy or cold medicine; take a sleep medicine; take aspirin-like products or blood thinners.

Other side effects of BOTOX^® include: dry mouth, discomfort or pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, neck pain, and eye problems: double vision, blurred vision, decreased eyesight, drooping eyelids, swelling of your eyelids, and dry eyes.

For more information refer to the Medication Guide or talk with your doctor.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see BOTOX^® full Product Information including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide.

Myobloc is a registered trademark of Solstice Neurosciences, Inc.

About the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation

The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing research for improved dystonia treatments and ultimately a cure, promoting awareness and patient education, and supporting the well-being of affected individuals and families. The DMRF can be reached at 800-377-3978 or www.dystonia-foundation.org.

About Allergan

Allergan plc (NYSE: AGN), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is a bold, global pharmaceutical company and a leader in a new industry model – Growth Pharma. Allergan is focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing branded pharmaceuticals, devices and biologic products for patients around the world.

Allergan markets a portfolio of leading brands and best-in-class products for the central nervous system, eye care, medical aesthetics and dermatology, gastroenterology, women's health, urology and anti-infective therapeutic categories.

Allergan is an industry leader in Open Science, the Company's R&D model, which defines our approach to identifying and developing game-changing ideas and innovation for better patient care. This approach has led to Allergan building one of the broadest development pipelines in the pharmaceutical industry with 65+ mid-to-late stage pipeline programs in development.

Our Company's success is powered by our more than 15,000 global colleagues' commitment to being Bold for Life. Together, we build bridges, power ideas, act fast and drive results for our customers and patients around the world by always doing what it is right.

With commercial operations in approximately 100 countries, Allergan is committed to working with physicians, healthcare providers and patients to deliver innovative and meaningful treatments that help people around the world live longer, healthier lives.

For more information, visit Allergan's website at www.Allergan.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

Statements contained in this press release that refer to future events or other non-historical facts are forward-looking statements that reflect Allergan's current perspective of existing trends and information as of the date of this release. Except as expressly required by law, Allergan disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from Allergan's current expectations depending upon a number of factors affecting Allergan's business. These factors include, among others, the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of FDA approvals or actions, if any; the impact of competitive products and pricing; market acceptance of and continued demand for Allergan's products; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in Allergan's periodic public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to Allergan's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 (certain of such periodic public filings having been filed under the "Actavis plc" name). Except as expressly required by law, Allergan disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

CONTACTS:

DMRF Media:
Jessica Freeley
(912) 510-0337

Allergan Media:
Mark Marmur
(862) 261-7558

Lisa Kim
(714) 246-3843

SOURCE Allergan plc

Related Links

http://www.allergan.com